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SPORTS
Annual polo Strawberries classic gallops teach lessons at Turkey Creek. into Plant City. PAGE 12
PAGE 3
LOVE STORY
OUR TOWN
Raiders, Chargers renew rivalry on the diamond. PAGE 15
in memory
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Road renamed to honor educator
+ Library celebrates Black History Month Bruton Memorial Library is celebrating Black History Month with several programs. The Suncoast Blues Society will present the Gary Brown Band at 7 p.m. Feb. 18, at the library, 302 W. McLendon St. Then, the Books into Movies Book Discussion Group will be discussing “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” by Zora Neale Hurston, from 1 to 2 p.m. Feb. 26, at the library. The group also will screen a movie from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 27. All programs are free and open to the public. For more, call (813) 7579215.
+ Optimist Club honors orators Six students participated in the annual Plant City Optimist Club Oratorical Contest Feb. 4, at the Plant City Recreation & Parks Department administrative office. First-place winners included Ashlyn Yarbrough (girls) and Mario Leon (boys). Second place went to Emmalise Hunter and Arie Fry, and third place to Katherine Ruppert and Chase Lott.
+ Church sizzles with sausage supper The members and staff of Hope Lutheran Church invite the community to the church’s 19th annual Whole Hog Sausage Supper from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 17, at the church, 2001 N. Park Road. This meal will feature of whole-hog sausage, sauerkraut, corn, green beans and more. Cost is $9 for adults and $5 for children. To pre-purchase tickets, call (813) 752-4622.
Last week, Simmons Career Center renamed its access road Leslie Morris Lane, after its founding principal, who died last August.
Amber Jurgensen
Kelli and Thomas Smith say their love has grown deeper over the years.
A Match Made in
Strawberry Heaven For the winners of our Love Story Contest, Kelli and Thomas Smith, it was love at first sight. The location: the Florida Strawberry Festival, of course!
There’s nothing quite like a good love-at-first-sight story. It was 1997, and Kelli Lott, then just 15 years old, had gone to the Florida Strawberry Festival with a group of friends. They were seeking good food and fun. Little did she know she’d also find the love of her life. That same day, Thomas Smith, then 19, had stopped by the festival to visit his grandfather and his food wagon, Blue Jay. The two had a running joke. Grandpa, are you going to find me a girlfriend? Thomas would ask.
That day, he said: ‘Yeah, sit down on that picnic table, and she’ll be back here in a second.’” Thomas went along with the ruse and sat down at the picnic table. Within 10 minutes, a group of friends walked up to him to say hello. In the group was Kelli Lott. “I noticed her right away,” Thomas says. “That cute freckled face. I’m a sucker for freckles and Southern accents. She was just beautiful. I couldn’t take my eyes off her.” “He followed me around
SEE LOVE STORY / PAGE 6
Check out our video interview with the winning couple at PlantCityObserver.com.
Kelli and Thomas Smith were married in 2001.
INDEX Crossword.......... 19
Leslie Morris’ passion always had been education, but she took a special liking to ESE students. Her passion led her to become the first principal of Simmons Career and Exceptional Center in 2004. After she died suddenly at age 69 last August, the center decided to name the access road in front of the school after her. The center unveiled the new street signs for Leslie Morris Lane Feb. 8, in a special presentation. “She was passionate about her job,” Simmons principal’s secretary Belinda Robinson said. “She was passionate about her students and faculty. She was just a unique lady who had a lot of class.” Robinson had been Morris’ secretary from almost the beginning of the school. “She made a great impact in education,” Robinson said. “Within Hillsborough County, she just made a positive impact in everything she was involved in.” The district agrees. Not only did they allow the road to be named after Morris, but also the board named an award after her, the Leslie Morris Community Impact Award. The award is given to any group or individual that supports ESE students in the county. “That is just awesome,” Robinson said. “To have that honor in the school district — that’s as big as we get.” Morris was born July 29, 1943, in Tennessee. When she was a child, she moved to Parkersburg, W. Va. In 1971, she earned her associate’s degree from Hill-
SEE ROAD / PAGE 6 Vol. 1, No. 32 | One section
Obituaries.......... 14
Opinion.................8
Sports................ 15
PlantCityObserver.com
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Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
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Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
SADDLE UP!
3
the big reveal
by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Joseph Sedita named Citizen of the Year Plant City’s civic clubs honored Sedita at the 54th Citizen of the Year luncheon Feb. 13.
Courtesy photos
The Sport of Kings
Plant City’s DI Polo Club will host its second Charity Polo Classic Feb. 23. One of the world’s most fascinating sports will gallop into Plant City for the second Charity Polo Classic Feb. 23, at DI Polo Club. This year’s event will include all the sport’s on- and off-field traditions — the stomping of the divots, women dolled up in sun dresses and derby hats and a full exhibition game featuring talented players. Last year’s inaugural event attracted about 450 people and raised $75,000 in total revenue, with all net proceeds — about 70% last year — benefiting the Children’s Cancer Center and other charities. According to Chris Gannon, a former professional polo player and one of the event organizers, this year’s event expects to bring in $150,000, with proceeds once again going to the Children’s Cancer Center — the event’s title sponsor — along with Wheels for Success and Starting Right Now, all Tampa Bay-area charities. “Our goal for our second year was to double the net revenue from our first year, and we’re already close to that,” Gannon said, noting that around $110,000 already has been raised. Last year’s event was planned in just three months. “We didn’t know if we were even going to break even, but it turned out to be a huge success,” he said. According to Gannon, this year’s event is already nearly sold out. This year’s event also will feature celebrity appearances from John Walsh, host of “America’s Most Wanted,” and Lauren Thompson, from the Golf Channel. Walsh, an avid polo player himself, is set to play in the match.
UNIQUE EVENT
When a group of young professionals from Tampa Bay got together to brainstorm for a charity event, they wanted to take a different approach. “You see so many golf tournaments and banquets, but we thought that having a polo match would be something unique,” said board member Kelly Ross, CFO of Morgan Auto Group. Ross also thought the idea would appeal to women, giving them a chance to dress up for the occasion. “I think of movies like ‘Pretty Woman,’ and I had recently gone to the Kentucky Derby and remembered seeing all the pretty dresses and big hats and thought that a polo match would give women here a chance to dress the part,” she said. With the event attracting so many professionals, from doctors and lawyers to CEOs of small and large businesses, the classic also has become a great networking event. “There’s a lot of small-business owners who attend, and being able to raise money for local charities is something that hits home to a lot of people,” Ross said.
THE MATCH
The sport of polo has been around for thousands of years, dating back to the Chinese and Persian empires. Nicknamed the “sport of kings,” polo is played on horseback and consists of two teams of four players. Each player is assigned a position, designated by Nos. 1 through 4. Players score by driving a small ball into the opposing team’s goal using a long-handled mallet. “It’s a much rougher and intense sport than what you some-
times see on TV and in movies,” Gannon said, noting that horses will run up to 35 mph and the ball can travel over 90 mph. “There’s a lot of strategy involved. It really is an exciting game.” Players ride on what are called ponies, but polo horses are fullsized and often thoroughbreds. Matches are played on a field that is 300 yards long by 160 yards wide, about the size of nine football fields. Unlike American football or baseball, tailgating for polo occurs on the sidelines of the field before and during the match, making it a social affair. The sport also encourages fan interaction, including the tradition of stomping the divots at halftime, where spectators go onto the field and fill in holes made by the horses. “It’s a great tradition and fun for the fans, and it actually really does help the players as it helps the footing of the horses,” Gannon said. This year’s classic will feature plenty of gourmet food, signature cocktails, beer and wine, and spectator activities, including a silent a u c tion. “The women really get into it,” Gannon said. “It’s a fun event.” C o n tact Matt Mauney at mmauney@ plantcityobserver. com.
if you go Charity Polo Classic WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23 WHERE: DI Polo Club, 1003 Cowart Road, Plant City SPECIAL GUESTS: John Walsh, host of “America Most Wanted,” and the Golf Channel’s Lauren Thompson BENEFICIARIES: The exhibition polo match raises money for three Tampa Bay area charities: Children’s Cancer Center, Wheels of Success and Starting Right Now. INFORMATION: charitypoloclassic. com or (813) 8331644
The secret is out: Plant City’s 2013 Citizen of the Year is Joseph E. Sedita. And he almost missed his own ceremony. Sedita had planned to go out of town for a short vacation in Tennessee the day of the ceremony. His partner, Nate Kilton, at Sedita Kilton & Co. told him he had to stay for the awards ceremony, because one of their clients was being honored. But, Sedita still wanted to go out of town. So Sedita’s wife, Paula, who also knew of the award, helped him pack the car. They were scheduled to leave after the ceremony. Little did Sedita know that not only was he the recipient, but also family members flew in from as far away as Boston and Minneapolis to be here. “I had shaking knees, but it is a great honor,” Sedita said. “It’s kind of overwhelming.” Sedita said he had Joseph Sedita no idea he was set up. “I can’t say it didn’t seem fishy, but I took it at face value,” Sedita said. Before the announcement, his family waited backstage to surprise him with their arrival. “Joe is someone that I’d have to say I’ve admired my whole life,” Fran Parnell, his sister, said. “I always went to him for advice and encouragement.” Parnell, wife Paula, brother Frank Sedita, mother Dolly Sedita, sons Jeff Sedita and JP Sedita and their wives, Meghan and Elizabeth, all were present for the ceremony. “He’s a quiet, humble man of integrity and wants to help others be all that they can be, an encourager,” Paula said. Sedita is a first-generation American who moved to Tampa when we was a toddler from Gary, Ind. His father, Joseph Sedita, immigrated to the United States from Alessandria Della Rocca, Sicily, when he was 3. After graduating high school, Sedita continued his schooling at the University of South Florida, earning a degree in accounting. In 1977, Sedita opened Joseph E. Sedita & Company, in Plant City. Later, he added financial services to the firm’s offerings. He earned his certified financial planner designation in 1985. He also earned his personal financial services designation from the American Institute of Public Accountants. When Kilton joined the firm as a partner, the name changed to the current title, Sedita Kilton & Co. Kilton purchased the firm in 2012, but Sedita continues to actively serve his clients, community and colleagues. In addition to his professional accolades, Sedita has been involved in many community organizations, including the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation, Jackson Elementary PTA, Boy Scouts of America, Plant City’s Toastmasters International, Boys and Girls Club, and a member of the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce. He has received other awards, including Jaycees Outstanding Young Man Award, in 1979, Paul Harris Fellow Rotary Foundation Award and Trail Blazer Award from 1st Global Capital Corp. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
4
Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
GOVERNANCE
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
by Michael Eng | Managing Editor
Officials revise schedule for Mendonsa Road completion Because of necessary utility work performed by Verizon, the new completion date is April 30. City officials expect work on Mendonsa Road will be complete by April 30, about five months later than originally planned. Additional utility work by Verizon caused most of the delay, but now that that work has been completed, reconstruction of Mendonsa can recommence, City Manager Greg Horwedel told city commissioners at their Feb. 11 meeting. Horwedel released a revised schedule, which notes the installation of a water line under the road is set for completion this week. Later this month, crews will connect existing water services and remove the old line. Beginning in March, workers will connect existing sewer lines and install new drainage systems, which will solve the flooding problems that caused Mendonsa to deteriorate. Grading should begin March 13, with the completion date set for the end of April. Horwedel said he hopes to have a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the project’s completion. In June 2012, the City Commission accepted a bid from Marlon Dunn Contracting, of Plant City, for amount of $1,288,758.19. It originally was expected to be finished Nov. 28, 2012.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Hillsborough County Deputy County Administrator Lucia Garsys presented to the City Commission the county’s Economic Prosperity Stakeholder Committee’s Final Report.
The report details 30 recommendations the 21-member committee is proposing to help boost economic development within the county. Garsys and Economic Development Director Ron Barton are presenting the report to Hillsborough municipalities and other organizations to solicit feedback before the Hillsborough County Commission considers adopting it. Although Plant City commissioners applauded the county for its proactive efforts to stimulate the local economy, they questioned why the committee did not include representatives from Plant City. Garsys assured the commission that as the discussion progresses, the county would seek input from other municipalities. “We want to be invited to the table; we want to contribute to the plan,” City Commissioner Rick Lott said. “We are looking forward to the day someone from our group can contribute to this plan. ... We’re much stronger working together than apart.” Lott noted Plant City currently has about 4,000 acres of land already planned and zoned for use. City Commissioner Bill Dodson agreed and hopes the committee will consider the importance of agriculture and agro-business. Mayor Mike Sparkman indicated the City Commission and city staff would respond with comments in a single letter. Contact Michael Eng at meng@ plantcityobserver.com.
calling all artists by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
IN OTHER BUSINESS
Art Guild creates own festival masterpiece
• City commissioners postponed until March public hearings to demolish the structures at 1107 W. Granfield St., 1109 W. Granfield St. and 503 S.W. Drane St. The Tampa Tribune failed to advertise the public hearings, so legally, they had to be rescheduled, Sparkman said. • The commission rescheduled the second public hearing regarding amending the language regarding the C-1A zoning code designation. The amended language specifies more clearly what businesses are allowed under that code. The second hearing will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25, at the Sadye Gibbs Martin Auditorium at City Hall, 302 W. Reynolds St. • Horwedel reported Palmer Street would be closed near the railroad crossing just east of downtown until Feb. 28. Crews are working to repair a gas line along the road. However, the road will be open for traffic during the Strawberry Classic Car Show Feb. 16.
The guild will be accepting submissions for its annual art show through Feb. 22. The East Hillsborough Art Guild will present its own take on this year’s Florida Strawberry Festival theme, “Our Masterpiece of Fun,” during its 18th annual Strawberry Festival Fine Art Show. The show will feature up to 700 submissions — 500 from adults and up to 200 from youths. The gallery, which will be located at gate five, will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. throughout the 11-day festival. Artists will compete for more than $3,000 in prizes, as well as ribbons from business leaders. “This is our biggest project for the year, because the money we take in goes toward the scholarships we give away and some of our art programs and trips,” art show chair Debra Bryant said. Last year, the EHAG was able to give away $1,000 in scholarships to the MacDonald Training Center and VSA Florida at its annual Christmas Art Show. In addition, local artist Jossie Azorin has donated two pieces — a beach scene and an oil orchid — to the show for a raffle fundraiser.
Before she was the chair, Bryant participated for 13 years as an artist. She always submitted with one award in mind — the Strawberry Theme Award, given by a member of the Florida Strawberry Festival committee. “I think it’s the most prestigious award, even more than best in show,” Bryant said. This year’s show will feature 10 adult divisions, including four professional divisions, and eight youth divisions. The children’s division has been unified for the first time. No frames will be allowed, and art will all be matted with white. All children get a participation ribbon, as well. “We don’t want anything to distract from the art,” Bryant said. The show still is accepting submissions through Feb. 22. Those wishing to enter should download and complete an entry form at ehagfinearts.com. For more, contact Debra Bryant, stfestartshow@gmail.com. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
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Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
Cops
Corner
PLANT CITY
The following information was gathered from incident and arrest reports obtained from the Plant City Police Department.
JAN. 25
rest. Officers responded to a possible intoxicated male attempting to drive at the convenience store. The suspect was arrested after he revealed a small bag of marijuana.
BAD DECISION
STOLEN CELL
TECH TROUBLE
JAN. 26
1200 block of West Grant Street. Battery on a School Official. One juvenile arrested for battery involving a fight with another student and a second juvenile battery on the school security officer. 3620 block of Fancy Farms Road. Residential Burglary. Unknown suspect(s) entered the unoccupied residence by an unlocked window next to the front door of the mobile home. The suspect(s) stole a 32-inch TV, 19inch TV, Compac laptop, and 12-inch stereo speakers. Total value is about $938.
STILL VISIBLE
1500 block of YMCA Place. Vehicle Burglary. The victim parked her vehicle in the parking lot and put her purse under shirts on the front seat. When she returned, she discovered someone had pried open and broken the passenger’s door window and stolen the purse and wallet.
SAD DISCOVERY
3500 block of West Baker Street. Death Investigation. Officers responded to a possible intoxicated male sitting in a chair at the laundromat, holding a beer. Once on scene, police officers and Plant City Fire Rescue officials determined the victim was deceased. There were no signs of foul play, and a medical examiner’s report is pending.
HOW DID THAT GET THERE?
4610 block of State Road 574. Drug Ar-
JAN. 26
5
1900 block of East Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Theft. The victim advised he left his Metro PCS Galaxy phone, valued at $250, in his softball bag. When he returned to the bag, the phone was missing.
LOCK YOUR DOORS
2700 block of Holly Bluff Court. Vehicle Burglary. The victim reported that her purse was stolen from the unlocked car. Total value is about $55.
DRUG DISCOVERY
3700 block of Magnolia Green Street. Drug Arrest. Officers met with the suspect while responding to a suspicious vehicle call. While interviewing the suspect, it appeared he was attempting to hide items in the door panel. The suspect gave consent to search the vehicle, and officers discovered drug paraphernalia.
JAN. 27
ALMOST GOT AWAY WITH IT
3100 block of Sammonds Road. Attempted Auto Theft. The victim reported someone attempted to steal his red 2007 Dodge SLT. The rear window and steering column were broken.
BEER RUN
2200 block of North Park Road. Theft. An unknown white male wearing gray tank top, jeans and baseball cap stole three cases of Bud Light (18-bottle packs), a total value of $46.47. The male fled in a silver or gray fourdoor car.
DEEP POCKETS
CLEANED OUT
1800 block of James L. Redman Parkway. Retail Theft. The suspect concealed merchandise, valued at $131.91, in his pants and attempted to exit the store. He was charged with felony theft based on prior convictions and transported to Orient Road Jail.
100 block of Magnolia Street. Theft. The victim said someone stole several items off his back porch. Stolen items included a black Napa battery jump box, a gray Memorex portable radio, one-half gallon of Dawn dish soap and one gallon of Windex cleaner.
Visit our website to read more real estate transactions. www.YourObserver.com
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ROMANTIC GETAWAY Kelli and Thomas Smith will celebrate their 12th anniversary with their Love Story prize — a one-night stay at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore and dinner at St. James Restaurant.
LOVE STORY/PAGE 1 all night, begging for a phone number,” Kelli says, teasing. Thomas left the festival that night with more than just a stomach full of strawberries. He left with Kelli’s phone number. Now married for 11 years, Kelli and Thomas Smith won over the hearts at the Plant City Observer, and today, Valentine’s Day, we honor the couple as our first Love Story Contest winner.
PATIENCE PAYS OFF
At just 15 years old, Kelli wasn’t yet allowed to date someone four years older than her. For months, Thomas went to all her softball games and tried to charm her parents. It worked. “My dad was very strict, because he had two girls to raise and to look after,” Kelli says. “But, my parents are a good judge of character, and they knew that he was a nice guy. So, they felt safe and comfortable with letting their little girl go on a date with him finally.” “I was raised really old-fashioned, and that was one prerequisite in our family, where I had
ROAD/PAGE 1 sborough Community College and then received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of South Florida. Just three years later, Morris was immersed in the education field as an E.M.H. teacher, transferring to Dover Exceptional Center and teaching there until 1981, when she was appointed
to ask her dad’s permission, before I would get to take her out,” Thomas says. “So when he said, ‘Yes,’ I was ecstatic.” The duo kept their first date as traditional as their families — a movie date to see “Fools Rush In,” a romantic comedy. “After a couple months of us being together, I just knew it was meant to be,” Kelli says. So did Thomas. During their first Christmas later that year, Thomas made her a wooden hope chest, engraving it with the date they met, March 14, 1997. Stuffing it with miscellaneous Christmas presents, at the bottom he hid the most important one — a promise ring. That promise was carried out March 17, 2001, when Kelli and Thomas were married in a fairytale ceremony at Plant City’s First Baptist Church.
B2B by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
THE FINALISTS
Group plugs in with new Facebook presence
We received dozens of great entries. Here are some of our favorites: • Shelly Barfield. My husband and I met when we were 13 at Tomlin Middle School. He had his sister introduce us. We started dating for a few weeks and broke up the day after Valentine’s Day. We remained best friends for another four years. Then, when we were 17, we went out with a group of friends and we started dating again. When we were 18 he left for the U.S. Army. We talked all the time, and I went to different states to see him. When he got back, we got married, and this year, will be 13 years we have been married (but 20 we have known each other). I am so happy I married my best friend, we look forward to growing old together, and our kids enjoy hearing the story of how we met.
THE PROPOSAL
Thomas’s proposal was a complete surprise. He told her to come visit him while he was doing landscaping at his uncle’s condo, and he wanted to take her to dinner. When she got there, they walked down to the beach, where a giant sign was waiting for her: “Kelli Will You Marry Me.” “He must have known I’d said, ‘Yes,’ because he didn’t put a question mark on it,” Kelli says.
Plant City Connections hopes its networking page will go viral.
• James Wiggins. I started working in the warehouse of McCrory’s Five and Dime in 1958, when I got out of the U.S. Army. I stopped to eat lunch one day at the food counter in McCrory’s, and that’s when I spotted her — the young woman behind the counter. Clara Mae Cook was her name. I immediately knew I was going to marry her, and little did I know at the time, she had told the other two waitresses to “stay back; he’s mine.” That was 54 years ago, and this love story of “love at first sight” continues strong today.
THE FAMILY
Today, the couple has two young sons, Judson, 8, and Bronson, 3, who both take up most of their time. When Kelli saw the Plant City Observer’s Love Story Contest online, she decided to enter. “I was excited to know that, ‘Hey, we might have the chance to win something and actually take that time out for each other,’” Kelli says. “I was always hopeful. You always hope you’ll win. But I didn’t (think we’d win), because we’ve never won anything like that, but everybody always tells us we’re a good couple and just excited to see us be together for so long, because we were just babies when we met.” Kelli and Thomas will be celebrating their 12th anniversary next month and they plan to use
the one-night stay and dinner for two at the Sheraton Suites Tampa Airport Westshore. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
as its administrator. In 1999, she was appointed principal at Caminiti Exceptional Center and served there until 2004. She left Caminiti Exeptional Center to be the first principal at Simmons Career and Exceptional Center, retiring from that position in June 2010. Even though she had retired, Morris continued being a presence in the ESE community. She
volunteered as a surrogate parent for exceptional children in the Hillsborough County School District and donated her time to the MacDonald Training Center, serving on its board of directors. For the past three years, Morris also enjoyed what she called “adventures.” Longtime friend Lisa Wilkinson accompanied her on trips to Carlsbad Caverns, in New Mexico, San Anto-
• Les Scates. In July 1959, I met a beautiful young lady — for me, it was love at first sight. Two years later, on June 11, 1961, she became my bride. Her name you ask — Carole Joyce Valentine. We’ve been married now for almost 52 years, and for me, every day is Valentine’s Day.
God’s Final Word:
Baker gives an example: When she needs organic food, she treks all the way to Tampa to go to Whole Foods. She recently discovered that some of her neighbors have eggs and others grow vegetables. If there were a common forum where they could share they had those goods, then she would have kept her business in Plant City a long time ago. “Once the conversation starts, it will go outside of the virtual world and into the actual world,” Baker said. Baker knows the value of using technology. She was a technical writer for a software company that developed programs for the newspaper industry. She has seen technology change throughout her career and understands social media can create a new conversation. Plant City Connections, started by Lori and Libby Libhart, has been around for years. For those who want to network, or want to know more about the online conversation, weekly meetings are held at 8 a.m. Tuesdays, at Focus 4 Beauty Career Center. “I would love to see numbers like on Lakeland’s page,” Baker said. “I would be over the moon. Just join and start talking about who you are and what you can offer.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
her daughter, Julie; son-in-law, Erthel Hill; along with her sister, brother and nephews and nieces. Her husband, Donald E. Morris preceded her in death. “She just had a way with people, with anyone who needed help, she went out of her way,” Robinson said. Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver. com.
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nio, New Orleans and Thailand, among many other places. “She used to say we were Thelma and Louise,” Wilkinson told the Plant City Observer in August. Morris also loved her family. Her two grandchildren, Evan Hill and Shayla Morris, were the light of her life. She is survived by two sons, Donald J. Morris and Michael E. Morris;
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When Plant City Connections member Marina Baker saw the Lakeland Business Leaders’ Facebook Page, she knew she wanted to start one like it for Plant City Connections. Lakeland Business Leaders group page has 1,382 members with an active community posting on the page daily. Baker was impressed and knew Plant City Connections, a networking group for small businesses, also could benefit from an active page on which people could post about their business. Baker started the Facebook page in January. “I’m really excited about it,” Baker said. “I didn’t expect it to catch fire like it did.” The page has 127 members and is growing. “We have businesses from florists to mechanics to Deese Scrubs,” Baker said. “We have lawyers; we have CPAs. It’s just a whole hodgepodge. Basically, all the businesses for a small city to function.” But Baker doesn’t want the conversation to be limited only to businesses. She encourages non-profits, such as churches, to join as well. Baker hopes the page will help keep business in Plant City. When people visit the page, they will be able to see the businesses in Plant City and have a conversation online with others who may know about additional services and products. “The thing that bothers me is that pretty much everything you need is here, but you just don’t know about it,” Baker said. “There’s an inner circle of oldtown people who know where everything is, but the rest of us don’t.”
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THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
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PLANT CITY
“If we are to build a better world, we must remember that the guiding principle is this — a policy of freedom for the individual is the only truly progressive policy.” Friedrich Hayek “Road to Serfdom,” 1944
Founding Publisher / Felix Haynes General Manager and Managing Editor / Michael Eng, meng@PlantCityObserver. com Assistant Managing Editor / Jess Eng, jeng@PlantCityObserver.com Associate Editors / (Community) Amber Jurgensen, ajurgensen@ PlantCityObserver.com; (Sports) Matt Mauney, mmauney@PlantCityObserver. com Advertising Executive / Veronica Prostko, vprostko@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising Coordinator / Linda Lancaster, llancaster@PlantCityObserver.com Accounting Manager / Petra Kirkland, pkirkland@PlantCityObserver.com Advertising-Production Operations Manager / Kathy Payne, kpayne@ yourobserver.com Advertising-Production Coordinator / Brooke Schultheis, bschultheis@ yourobserver.com Advertising Graphic Designers / Peter Carlson, pcarlson@yourobserver. com; Monica DiMattei, mdimattei@ yourobserver.com; Marjorie Holloway, mholloway@yourobserver.com; Luis Trujillo, ltrujillo@yourobserver.com; Chris Stolz, cstolz@yourobserver.com
CONTACT US
The Plant City Observer is published once weekly, on Thursdays. It provides free home delivery to several neighborhoods in Plant City. The Plant City Observer also can be found in many commercial locations throughout Plant City and at our office, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100-A. If you wish to discontinue home delivery or if you wish to suspend home delivery temporarily, call Linda Lancaster at 704-6850.
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We want to hear from you. Let us know about your community events, celebrations and family member achievements. To contact us, send your information via: Email: Michael Eng, meng@plantcityobserver.com Mail: The Plant City Observer, 110 E. Reynolds St., Suite 100A, Plant City, FL 33563
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THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
observed | in loving memory
Grandparents set shining example Years ago, my wife, Jess, and I found one of those online surveys. It displayed several images and asked the question: Which of these best depicts love? One was a couple walking hand-in-hand on the beach. Another was of a husband and wife on their wedding day. Still another was of a romantic candlelit dinner for two. Of course, they all were beautiful images and worthy depictions of life’s greatest mystery. But for me, the choice was simple: an image of an older couple holding onto each other, laughing in hysterics. The reason is simple: They reminded me of Harry and Molly Lim, my grandparents. Harry, our Goong Goong (Chinese for Grandpa), died suddenly May 12, 2008. At that time, my family asked that I write and deliver his eulogy. In perhaps the toughest writing task of my life, I relayed my most vivid memories: Goong Goong teaching me how to swim and our family’s Wednesday night dinners. I wrote about his work ethic and business ventures. He taught me how to seize my days, how to commit to a family. And how to love. Molly Lim, my grandmother, never was the same after that day. She lost the love of her life without warning. In an instant, she seemed smaller, fragile, lost. Just two weeks ago, Molly, our beloved Poa Poa, died Jan. 28 — also suddenly. She was 87.
Following World War II, Molly and Harry Lim arrived stateside in June 1946, in San Francisco. They recreated the photo in 2003. It is impossible to overstate the example our Goong Goong and Poa Poa set for us. Theirs always will be the most spectacular love story I have ever heard. Family lore has it that Goong Goong, while serving in the U.S. Army Air Force during World War II and stationed in China, went to a military ball with another girl by his side. There, he saw Poa Poa across the ballroom. She, too, had come with a date. It didn’t matter. At the end of the night, Goong Goong and Poa Poa left together. At the end of the war, Goong Goong returned to the U.S. and married his sweetheart. The day they married, Poa Poa made local history as Houston’s only G.I. bride from the Far East. A Hous-
ton Chronicle article and photo from that day sit on my desk as a constant reminder that I am a part of something much bigger. “East Meets East as Mrs. Molly Lo Lim, wife of Harry Lim, seeks congratulations from her husband just after becoming an American citizen,” the caption reads. “Mr. Lim, born in Canton, is an American citizen — served with the United States Army during the war when he was stationed in China, where he met his wife. She is believed to be Houston’s only G.I. bride from the Orient.” Their love deepened as they planted roots to raise a family. They had their three daughters and, later, five grandchildren. To our knowledge, Goong
Goong and Poa Poa were separated only once during their entire marriage. As my mom and aunts began sifting through Poa Poa’s belongings, they discovered a letter Goong Goong had written to her during that time. “I can’t seem to be able to go to sleep at night,” Goong Goong wrote to his bride at 3 in the morning. “It’s not because I’m not sleepy. It’s because I missed you so much that I wish September gets here the very next morning, and I could hold you in my arms every chance I get.” Even after more than six decades of marriage, Goong Goong and Poa Poa still glowed like high school sweethearts. They still held hands, still looked lovingly into each other’s eyes. Like my Aunt Jenny said when Goong Goong died, they were bookends: bookends that held each other up — with the rest of us tucked in-between. Today, our family grieves. We miss our Poa Poa, and her loss also reminds us of the one we endured five years ago. But, we do take comfort. Comfort in knowing our Goong Goong finally can put his head down and rest. We know he’s been waiting for his bride. And we know these two — who somehow took life’s greatest mystery and unraveled it into an extraordinary example for all of us to see — are together again, in the perfect ending to our family’s perfect love story.
PAJAMA MAMA
Planting seeds of virtue in your children Silence is golden — until you from school, the first task to keep them alive as it does have children. Then, silence was to paint their pots. I can’t their little plants. means trouble is lurking. speak for your children, but Patience is something As a stay-at-home mine love to paint. my children, or really, most mom, I always am looking After school the folchildren, lack. They want for inexpensive activities lowing day, we took the everything right now. Even as to engage my children, project outdoors, and adults, we often want quick and, of course, keep them the kids proceeded to fixes. This is not life, and I from tearing the walls of plant and water their think it’s great for the kids to our home down to the seeds. Note: Be sure have to see that, with daily studs. A few weeks ago, I to fill the pots threeresponsibility and nurturing, was scouring the aisles of fourths full of soil, their plants will grow in due Walmart and discovered sprinkle the seeds and Emilie Plants time. EMILIE tiny white clay pots that then cover with dirt. I Planting seeds of virtue is The planting project proved to be a hit PLANTS were $1 apiece, and I had made the mistake of my most important task as a with Scarlett and Cooper. one of those ah-ha moplanting the seeds too mother, as I’m sure is true for ments. low, and they never most moms. Often, I notice my kids are in the Spring is just around the corgrew. I never have had a green I hope this activity finds a “all about me” stage. This teaches ner, and that means it’s grow time! thumb! place in your home, and together, them to think about giving their In the same section, I grabbed Every day after school, the kids we can grow a future garden of time and attention to something a tray of paints for $1, a pack of knew they had to water their respectable adults. other than themselves. paint brushes for $1, and then, I plants. Often, they would be Please post a picture of your Through the daily watering, headed to the garden department excited to come home and see if children with their plants to my the kids are learning to nurture for a bag of Miracle Grow potting a tiny piece of chive had pierced Pajama Mama Facebook page. and care for their plants. One day, soil for $7.33 and two seed packthe surface. Emilie Plants, a Plant City nathey will have to nurture adult ets for $1.28 each. I chose chive The part I love most about this tive, is a stay-at-home mother of relationships, such as a marriage seeds, because they can be grown craft is the virtues it is teaching two, freelance journalist and a in a window, with minimal sun. them in a fun, non-assuming way. or friendship. Those require the former Florida Florida Strawberry When the kids were both home They are learning responsibility. same amount of love and care Festival Queen Court member.
LETTERS
TO THE EDITOR
+ Thonotosassa Road renamed after a hero?
Dear Editor: I am emailing you in reference to the renaming of a segment of Thonotosassa Road.
My son, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Dep. David Anthony Abella, died in the line of duty April 21, 2004. He graduated from Plant City High School. He played football and was on the wrestling
team. After graduating, he served in the U.S. Coast Guard for four years. He met his wife in New Orleans and then moved back to Plant City to start a family. He always served his country proudly and wanted to be a law-enforcement officer since he was a boy. We were all blessed to have him as a part of our lives for almost 27 years. If just half the people in this world had a passion for living and a purpose to serve like he did, this world would be a better place. Pamela Abella Plant City
+ Story captures son’s service Dear Editor: I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for a beautifully written article about my son, Daniel Taylor. I appreciate the time and effort you put into the article. It was quite comprehensive, and I can tell you spent a lot of time doing your homework. The Plant City Observer is a wonderful hometown paper. Diane Taylor Plant City
Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
om
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by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
Plant City native offers Buddhist meditation classes Thích Giác Ngo’s class focuses on the basic tenants of Buddhism.
Meditation Classes WHEN: 8 p.m. Thursdays WHERE: Unity Christ Church, 1911 N. Gordon St. INFORMATION: Thích Giác Ngo for more information, into.my.tablet@gmail.com
Amber Jurgensen
Born John Missing, Thích Giác Ngo says Buddhism “just makes sense.” He offers a weekly meditation class. saw him in his robes and asked if he would be willing to teach classes about the Buddha in English to children at a Vietnamese monastery in Tampa. He agreed and started to visit the monastery more frequently. There, he found a small house of communal living and a great teacher. In 2008, Thích Giác Ngo was diagnosed with prostate cancer but was in remission by 2011. “I had faced a lot of death in my life,” he said. “The best way I can live the rest of my life was to become a monk.”
True, Thích Giác Ngo is no stranger to death. He was born with a heart defect and collapsed many times as a child, but doctors could not diagnose him. In 1983, he was in a car accident in which he ripped open his aortic artery. Thích Giác Ngo should not have survived the injury. In the process, doctors finally were able to diagnose his heart defect. They told him he shouldn’t have grown up because the defect restricted organ growth. Now an ordained monk, Thích Giác Ngo is temporarily moving
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to get into heated debates with his sister who was Buddhist long before Thích Giác Ngo. The two always argued about the tenant of reincarnation. But Buddhism seemed like the answer to him on that day in the woods. “Buddhism made sense,” he said. “It was built to be logical. The Buddha said, ‘Don’t trust what I said. Test it.’” It wasn’t until 2006 that Thích Giác Ngo went to his first Buddhist retreat and later converted. While he was in the grocery store one day, another Buddhist
out of his monastery and back to his hometown, Plant City, to make room for the founding nun and her attendants. In January, Thích Giác Ngo started his own meditation classes at Unity Christ Church, with the permission of his teacher. He teaches the most basic fundamentals of meditation, such as the seven-point posture. “It’s about getting your mind in the present moment and not letting it wander all around,” Thích Giác Ngo said. He also teaches the dharma, or the teachings of the Buddha, which include reincarnation impermanence and karma. Thích Giác Ngo encourages those who aren’t Buddhists to come. Meditation is linked to many health benefits. Furthermore, he said his classes won’t conflict with those who already subscribe to other faiths. “In mainstream Christianity, there is no place for past lives,” Thích Giác Ngo said. “But you can still be Christian; you don’t have to accept all tenants of Buddhism.” Contact Amber Jurgensen at ajurgensen@plantcityobserver.com.
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It was a memory Thích Giác Ngo could not get out of his head, a memory that changed his life. It caused him to leave his Southern Baptist roots and embrace Buddhism, not only as a believer but also as an ordained monk. “I came to know the memories of reincarnation,” Thích Giác Ngo said. “I had experiences of a past life — vivid memories.” Thích Giác Ngo had visions of a past life in college, but his most vivid didn’t come until decades later. As part of the Society of Creative Anachronisms, an international organization that recreates skills and arts of pre-17th-century Europe, Thích Giác Ngo was reenacting a unique Irish liturgy one day in the early 1990s with his group. As he was speaking, it hit him — a waking dream that put him in a church in Ireland. “All of a sudden, I wasn’t in the woods in Florida anymore,” he said. He looked around at the congregation and realized he knew all of them. Thích Giác Ngo vividly remembers peering through the crowd to the back wall of the church. Thích Giác Ngo believes the liturgy was a stimulus that awakened him to his past life, just like a smell or music can trigger a memory. Born John Missing, he used
if you go
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celebration
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Black Heritage Parade marches down MLK Regional bands, local dignitaries and even a group of cowboys on horseback were a part of the annual Black Heritage Parade Feb. 9, in Plant City. The parade traveled down Martin Luther King Boulevard, ending at the MLK Jr. Recreation Center, where a carnival featured food, vendors and children’s activities. The parade was part of a weekend of events for the 10th annual Black Heritage Education and Cultural Festival. The festival coincides with Black History Month and provides an opportunity for the Plant City community to honor the rich cultural history of African-Americans, both nationally and locally. The festival also included a gospel concert, which featured the Durant High School choir and other regional choirs, and the Heritage Banquet, which featured keynote speaker Machelle Maner, vice president of community development at Wells Fargo.
DJ Slow Motion brought along his snake, Jynx.
Vice Mayor Mary Thomas Mathis
Choo Choo Charlie carted kids around on the Mickey Mouse Train. The Mighty Marching Lions put on a great show.
Right: The Kingz Angelz dance group showed off its moves. Left: Grand marshal Sarah Govenor
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Plant city observer
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THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
pink power by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
style and grace
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by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Golf cart parade raises money for breast cancer Bras, boas and plenty of pink were seen at Country Meadows Feb. 6, as a golf cart parade weaved through the streets of the 55-plus community as part of a breast cancer awareness campaign. The event was one of several last week at Country Meadows, including a women’s golf tournament Feb. 7, at the club course. This is the fourth year Country Meadows has raised money for the Susan G. Komen for the Cure. According to event organizer Nancy Williams, the event raised more than $5,400 last year. All funds raised goes to the foundation, with 75% staying with local chapters. According to Williams, 85 women par-
Lynne Maines found an interesting way to use a bra. ticipated in the golf tournament. That was the third event this week, with a men’s tournament Feb. 5.
Helen Ploard and Nancy Williams rode in style.
This is the first indoor season for many members of the Raiderettes.
Plant City High School hosts winter guard contest Plant City High School most of the teams are new hosted 47 winter color to the indoor competition guard teams for its annual season but are pushing to competition Feb. 9, at the improve. school. “We’ve about This was the third year doubled the amount PCHS has held a large of people on our indoor color guard competi- team from last year, so tion. The Raiderettes parwe want to conticipated in the event, taking tinue to grow,” first place in the B Class. he says. “They are all just a hardworking group of girls,” says coach Abraham Sabastine Jarrell. “They are all dedicated and strive to be the best.” According to Jarrell, who returned as coach of the indoor team this season, Kendale Sellars enjoyed the competition.
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Discovery Nights
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EDUCATION
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
FIELD DAYS
With a rich history in farming, Turkey Creek Middle School continues its tradition each year through its Strawberry Project.
TEACHING A TRADITION
“You want to pack only the berries you would eat,” Sparkman tells her students. “Don’t pick any green ones and when you pack them, make sure that mostly red is showing. That’s what the customers want to see.” The tips have sunken into most of the students. Seventh-grader Baylee Astin gives the same tips. “Don’t pick the ones that have Visit PlantCityObserver.com for more exclusive photos of the strawberry field.
IF YOU GO Relay for Life U-Pick WHEN: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 23 WHERE: Turkey Creek Middle School, 5005 S. Turkey Creek Road CONTACT: Allison. Sparkman@sdhc.k12.fl.us any green and think, ‘Would I eat this?’” Astin says. Of course, Astin has experience with picking strawberries. Her family owns Astin Farms. Her father, Sam Astin, has kept the Strawberry Project alive by providing materials such as flats and clamshells and taking excess berries to the market for the school. “It’s definitely been a family tradition for them,” Sparkman says. “People always tell us we do a good job, but it’s not just us, it’s him.” In addition to selling berries and an array of vegetables to the public, three schools are buying strawberries to serve in their lunchrooms. Last year, Turkey Creek raised $17,000 from selling strawberries, plants and hay. “The students look forward to it all year long,” Coleman says. “Then they get so excited when the buds grow. But by the time they’re done picking, they are tired and asking, ‘When are we done?’” The record number of flats collected in one day was 122. It was the first day that Sparkman introduced punch cards to keep track of the number of clamshells the students collected. The yellow cards are the same ones used in the field by farmworkers. The students earn incentives, such
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“It’s kind of fun, because you get to be with our friends and be outside,” Coty Deluca says. as ice cream parties, for collecting the most. So far, the students have picked 937 flats since Dec. 17. “Some of them work their butts off the whole time,” Sparkman says.
OUT IN THE FIELD
It’s hard work. Some students stoop over in the sun, while others get dusty sitting on the ground. The shed offers the shelter of shade when the students bring their clamshells to be examined from the field. Two students man the shed, selling berries to the public and inspecting the clamshells, making sure the berries are acceptable. That means no green and no mushy meat. “You have to have just the right ones,” Astin says while inspecting the strawberries. “It’s kind of frustrating, sometimes, when you have to go back.” Astin and her friend, Chloe Tew, work the shed but say they prefer picking. “I like picking better, because you get to eat the strawberries,” Tew says. Out in the field, Coty Deluca picks strawberries with his friends
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Student Alyx Maddox’s grandfather, Don Hicks, lives next door to the field and helps with the school’s agriculture program. “He’s our eyes around here,” Buddy Coleman, FFA adviser and agriscience teacher, says.
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Fredi Ventura and Daeton Chesser. “It’s kind of fun, because you get to be with our friends and be outside,” Deluca says. “It’s just kind of fun being outside,” Ventura says. “You get to relax and just talk.” Shortly after the boys get back to picking, Astin and Tew, who sneaked out of the shed, walk by eating some strawberries. Another group of students nearby yell out “strawberry fight!” But the students know they can’t waste the precious produce. It’s the middle of the season, and the berries are ripe. Astin says at the end of the season, when some of the unpicked berries are rotting, her family gets into strawberry fights on their farm, throwing the mushy masses and staining their clothes red. Back at the shed, Sparkman helps a customer, Armellia Andrews. Andrews is a volunteer at Robinson Elementary, next door to Turkey Creek Middle. She has come to buy produce at the school three times a week for the past four years. “This is the best place,” Andrews says. “I like it because of the school. I believe in giving back
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It takes one look at Turkey Creek Middle School to know that they are serious about their agriculture department. The school has a beautiful view of a strawberry field, which the students have been tending to for decades. Behind the school are four commercial heifers and a flock of sheep. In Allison Sparkman’s classroom, a lop-eared bunny cleans itself underneath her desk. Sparkman and Buddy Coleman, both FFA advisers and agriscience teachers, are instrumental in carrying on a tradition that dates back before their time. Until 1956, Turkey Creek was a strawberry school, which closed for the three-month strawberry-picking season so students could work the fields. Throughout the year, Sparkman and Coleman lead the school’s Strawberry Project, through which students learn about strawberries, the process of planting and picking and how to sell their product. Every year, students plant strawberries in the fall and then pick in the winter. They sell their crops to earn money to fund the school’s 170-student FFA chapter, which dates back to 1936.
In accordance with the provisions of State law, there being due and unpaid charges for which the undersigned is entitled to satisfy an owner and/or manager’s lein of the goods herinafter described and stored at: Uncle Bob’s Self Storage located at: 1005 S. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563. 813759-9526. And, due notice having been given, to the owner of said property and all parties known to claim an interest therein, and the time specified in such notice for payment of such having expired, the goods will be sold at public auction at the above stated location(s) to the highest bidder or otherwise disposed of on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 @ 9:00 A.M. Cesar Polese-Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes, TV/ Stereo Equip, Off Furn, Applnces Alicia Stockwell - Hsld gds
Chakyra Adderley-Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes, TV/Stereo Equip Sean Olson - Hsld gds. Furn, Boxes, TV/ Stereo Equip, Applnces Jason Spomer - Furn Dwayne Clark-Hsld gds, Boxes, Sprtng gds, Tools, Cnstrctn Equip Alicia Grady- Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes, Sprtng gds, Applnces, TV/Stereo Equp, Off Furn Erica Hammerle-Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes, Tools, TV/Stereo Equip, ATV/DirtBike East Coast Brokers & Packers-Boxes, Acctng Rcrds East Coast Brokers & Packers-Company files Jason Spomer-Furn Kasey Newsom-Hsld gds, Furn, Boxes Applnces, TV/Stereo Equip, Off Furn 02/07, 02/14/13 103517
Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
guys night
13
in bloom by Amber Jurgensen | Associate Editor
by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Plant City Elks Lodge Wild Game Cookout celebrates its 25th year Hundreds of men enjoyed a night of fellowship at the Plant City Elks Lodge #1727 Wild Game Cookout Feb. 9, at the Hillsborough County Cattlemen’s Association building. It was the 25th anniversary of the event, which featured a variety of foods, a full bar and a raffle, in which participants had the chance to win great prizes, including grills, rifles and a flatscreen television. This men’s night out raises money for the Elks Lodge, which then benefits philanthropic efforts in the Plant City community.
Jack Wolff and Dee Clark dressed for the occasion.
Michael Alexander ,right, the winner of the Plant City Observer’s Wild Game Cookout Contest, enjoyed the night with his dad, Bill, and his brother, Howard.
Flower show blossoms at Walden Lake C.C.
Robert Griffin, Craig Brown, Jim Scott, Brian Griffin, Mac McGrath and Paul Labarbero
The Plant City Garden Club set sail with its pirate-themed Flower Show Feb. 7, at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. This year’s show featured 36 designs
and 143 pieces of horticulture. Attendees voted for their favorites by putting a plastic gold doubloons in cups next to the displays.
Judy Glorioso and Cassandra Banning enjoyed browsing through the flowers.
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Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
OBSERVEROBITUARIES Mattie ‘Lou’ Britt
Mattie “Lou”” Britt, 92, of Lakeland, died Feb. 7, 2013. She was born in 1920, in Dublin, Ga. She taught second grade at Turkey Creek School in the early 1940s and moved in 1952, to Medulla. She was a member at Trinity Baptist Church, Lakeland. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Gordon Britt; children, Franklin G. Britt (Yvonne), Bruce E. Britt (Linda) and Janice L. Shiver (Jim); four grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many loving family and friends. A Celebration of Life was held Feb. 11, at Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. Interment followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens Condolences may be made at hopewellfuneral.com.
Irma L. Barry Garner
Irma L. Barry Garner, 96, of Durant, died Feb. 6. She was a member of Pleasant Grove Assembly of God, Durant. She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph I. “Bill” Garner; and great-grandson, Ricky Turner. She is survived by daughters, Ann Porter (Carl) and Sue Brown (Eldon); sisters, Joyce Emerine and Winfred “Red” Dean; grandchildren, Wally Porter (Rebecca), Rhenda Booth (Carmen) and Dana Andrew (Chris); greatgrandchildren, Heath (Joy), Dallas, Mandi (David), Michael, Chase, Capri and Caelynn; six great-great-grandchildren; and numerous family and friends. A Celebration of Life was held Feb. 9, at Hopewell Funeral Home,
Plant City. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pleasant Grove A/G Building Fund, P.O. Box 278, Durant, FL 33530. Condolences may be made at hopewellfuneral.com.
Warren Hook
Warren Hook, 72, died Feb. 1, at home. He is survived by his sons, Don (Norma) and Jeff; brother, Bob; sisters, Linda and Pat; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren. A memorial mass was held Feb. 8, at St. Clement Catholic Church.
Gladys Mae Kidd
Gladys Mae Kidd, 84, of Plant City, died Feb. 7. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarman Kidd, and son, Rodney W. Kidd. She is survived by her children, Randy Edward Kidd, Ronald Hayes Kidd, James Daniel Kidd and Cathy Kidd Elliott (Scott); siblings, Jack Harville (Carol) and Alma Johnson; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and many other loving family and friends. The family received friends Feb. 12, Hopewell Funeral Home, Plant City. A graveside service followed at Hopewell Memorial Gardens. Condolences may be made at hopewellfuneral.com.
Willie Mae ‘Bill’ Kilgore
Willie Mae “Bill” Kilgore, 88, of Plant City, died Feb. 6. She was born in Granville County, North Carolina. She and her husband, James, moved to Plant City on their honeymoon in 1961. She earned her degree as a reg-
istered nurse from Roanoke Rapids School of Nursing. She was an OB/GYN nurse at South Florida Baptist Hospital for 17 years and completed her career at Forest Park Nursing Home. She is survived by her daughter, Annette Kilgore; sisters Edna “Sissie” Brooks and Betsy Hobgood (Raymond); brothers, Stephen Murray (Elva) and Foy Murray; her beloved puppy, Sophie; and many other loving family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, James V. Kilgore; and siblings, Adelle Townsend, Shirley Murray, Johnny Murray, Thomas Murray, J.B. Murray and Oscar Murray. A graveside service was held Feb. 11, at Hopewell Memorial Gardens, Plant City. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Relay for Life Fund, Springhead Elementary School, 3208 Nesmith Road, Plant City, FL 33566. Condolences may be made at hopewellfuneral.com.
Albert James Pou
Albert James Pou, 51, of Valrico, died Feb. 10. Born April 25, 1961, he was the son of Alberto Pou Novoa and Maria Andrea Benitez. He was the husband of Dianne Pou. Mr. Pou was a proud member of the U.S. Air Force, worked at URS, where he was an I.T. manager. He had been a Girl Scout leader, member of The Boy Scouts, and one of his true passions in life was playing the trumpet. Survivors include his wife, Dianne Pou; daughters, Maria Pou, Kelli Wheeler, Rebeca Pou, Rebec-
ca Wheeler and Isabel Pou; granddaughter Madyson Schomaker; brothers, William Anthony Pou and Joseph Michael Pou; nieces Arleny Baez, Daisy and Alee Judge; and Allen Bingham and Arturo Suarez. The family has requested that everyone wear red to the memorial service. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Feb. 14, at Cross Creek Ranch, 12950 Wheeler Road, Dover. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.
Charles D. Rhinehart
Charles D. Rhinehart, 78, died Jan. 12. Mr. Rhinehart was born May 4, 1908, in Buffalo, N.Y. He served from October 1952 to July 1954, in the U.S. Marines. Wells Memorial and Dignity Provider networks are committed to handling services for our homeless veterans. Mr. Rhinehart will have a full military honors service at 11 a.m. Feb. 15, at Wells Memorial, 1903 W. Reynolds St., Plant City. The public is invited to celebrate his life and pay our respects to a man who served our country. Burial will follow at 1:30 p.m., at Florida National Cemetery. Condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Marion Othal Schoonover
Marion Othal Schoonover, 90, of Plant City, died Jan. 30. Born Jan. 31, 1922, in Adrian, Mich., he was the son of the late Clyde Schoonover and the late Mary Brown Schoonover. He was the husband of the late Vera Mae Schoonover. Mr. Schoonover was a World War II U.S. Army veteran, serving in the 38th United States Infantry,
Second Infantry Division. Survivors include sons, Ronald (Claire), Jerry (Claudette) and Timothy Schoonover; daughter, Marian Langley; 10 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. A funeral service was Feb. 8, at Bethany Baptist Churc, Plant City. Interment followed in Memorial Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.
Franklin Carroll Suiter
Franklin Carroll Suiter, 81, of Plant City, died Jan. 29. Mr. Suiter was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a former employee of Miller’s Trailer Transport. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Goldie Suiter; and son, Mark Suiter. Survivors include sons, Freddie (Barbara Jeanette) Suiter and Terry Lee Suiter; daughter, Carolyn Sue Korynas; and brother, Johnnie Bill Suiter. Online condolences may be made at wellsmemorial.com.
Gary Carl Wilkerson
Gary Carl Wilkerson, 56, of Plant City, died Feb. 10. Born Dec. 4, 1956, in Plant City, he was the son of the late Carl Wilkerson and the late Dollie Miklos Wilkerson. He was the husband of Felicia Wilkerson. Survivors include a son, Derek Wilkerson; sisters, Cathy Davenport and Cherry Bailey; and three grandchildren, Madalyne, Brayden and Landyn. Online condolences may be made at haughtfuneralhome. com.
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Sports
YOUTH | HIGH SCHOOL | GOLF | SENIORS | COMMUNITY | TENNIS
ATHLETE OF THE WEEK Wrestler Lance Dounges qualifies for states. 18
PLANTCITYObserver.com
Harrison and Spencer Heysek both plan to play in college. Harrison is considering Florida Atlantic, South Florida or Central Florida, and Spencer is committed to Southeastern University, in Lakeland.
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
brotherly love by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Heysek brothers lead Raiders team Two of a set of triplets, seniors Harrison and Spencer hope to lead the Raiders to another postseason berth. Harrison Heysek remembers playing tennis with his mother, Mary, when he was just 6 years old. “We would hit back and forth in the driveway,” he said. “It just expanded from there.” Harrison is one of a set of triplets. His brothers, Alex and Spencer, also grew up playing tennis, gaining interest from their mom.
show me the mauney
All three brothers played through their sophomore year of high school, with Harrison and Spencer now seniors on the Plant City High team, holding the No. 1 and No. 2 singles spots, respectively. In addition to high school, Harrison and Spencer regularly compete in travel tournaments, where they gained the notice of college suitors. Harrison currently has an offer from Florida Atlantic University, in addition to interest from South Florida and Central Florida, while Spencer is verbally committed
to play for Southeastern University, in Lakeland.
SIBLING RIVALRY
One may think that brothers, especially two of a set of triplets, would be a cohesive force on the tennis court. But that wasn’t always the case. Although they have played together practically their whole lives, including holding the No. 1 doubles spot for Plant City High, it wasn’t until their junior season that they found a perfect relationship on the court.
SEE TENNIS / PAGE 17
PLAY BALL! by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Signing Day hoopla a slippery slope We’re more than a week removed from National Signing Day, but some story lines are still at the forefront of sports media. Signing Day is just the beginning of a continuous high school football recruiting process where players, including several local players, will ink with colleges in the coming weeks, mostly with smaller schools. While community-minded newspapers such as the Plant City Observer will cover these commitments, most will go overlooked across the country MATT as the top colMAUNEY lege recruits already have made their announcements official. With National Signing Day in the books, it is important to look at the crazy progression college recruiting has experienced over the years, especially during NSD. There was a time — just a few years ago — when only the most die-hard fans and niche media outlets covered NSD. It wasn’t until my sophomore or junior year in college that I began to notice all the hoopla that surrounds the day when top high school prospects make commitments. Signing-day ceremonies used to consist of just the recruits, high school coaches, families and friends and possibly a reporter from a local
SEE MAUNEY / PAGE 16
Plant City High assistant coach Mike Valerius, new head coach Mike Fryrear and base runners Sergio Garcia (3), Mike Diaz and Zack Mondoux (27) talked things over during a pitching change. Below: Plant City shortstop Kristen Wyckoff and the rest of the Plant City defense was busy dealing with Kasey Locke and other Strawberry Crest base runners Tuesday.
Diamond Rivals One Plant City High team picked up a historic win Tuesday, while another suffered a rough loss to the Strawberry Crest Chargers. The Plant City High baseball team kicked off the 2013 season and the Mike Fryrear era with a 7-1 win Tuesday, at Strawberry Crest. Kevin Long picked up the win on the mound for the Raiders, going five innings and allowing just one earned run. Plant City took a 1-0 lead in the third before breaking the game open in the middle innings. All of the Raiders’ runs came with two outs. “With the system we have in place, as soon as we get runners on, we put the pressure on other teams,” said Fryrear, who began
his first year as a head coach with a win. “With Long on the mound for us, he can beat anybody in this county and anyone in this state, and with him on the mound, it brings a different presence for us. Even if we’re down 1-0 or 2-0, we can still win, but the thing is, our guys have to buy in and they’re starting to do that.” The win for Plant City came after back-to-back preseason losses to Durant and Bloomingdale. “I scheduled those two games on purpose,” Fryrear said. “They’re
SEE RIVALS / PAGE 16
16
Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
For the second consecutive game, the Strawberry Crest softball team came away with a lop-
sided shutout win, this time beating rival Plant City 14-0 in five innings. Sammy Tyler held Plant City to just three hits, while Strawberry Crest racked up 13. The Lady Chargers put up six runs in the first and never looked back. Megan Reed led SCHS with three RBIs, while Savannah Bradley went 3-for-4 with a triple and two RBIs. SCHS had four triples — Reed, Bradley and Aly Masessa (2) — in its four innings at the plate Tuesday. The win followed a 16-0 season opening blowout of Spoto. Lady Chargers head coach Mindy Miltner knows her team will be put to the test Friday, as it faces Chamberlain, last year’s Class 7A state champ, in a non-district match. “We’ve got to come out strong against Chamebrlain,” she said. “Tonight was our preparation.” For new Plant City head coach Amanda Sawyer, her 0-3 Lady Raiders will have to come out more focused against Armwood Friday if they want to pick up their first win. PCHS committed four errors against Strawberry Crest. “We need to get more cohesive
troubles and more, many players fall off the grid and their only time in the spotlight ends up being on NSD. Players should earn publicity in college by what they do in the college ranks — not on Friday nights in high school. I’m fine with local and regional media covering signings, but they shouldn’t be the leading story on Sportscenter or on the cover of national newspapers or magazines. Conversely, the sports fan in me loves NSD and all the drama that goes with it. Although I don’t
appreciate or respect the catand-mouse game some recruits play with colleges, you have to admit it is entertaining for most college football fans, especially if your team is one of the suitors. Heck, after I finished with work Feb. 6, including covering a signing ceremony at Plant City High School, I fired up my laptop and watched a replay Georgia Southern’s (my alma mater) signing class. All two hours of it. The die-hard fan in me couldn’t wait to see what kind of talent we pulled into our program and
Plant City shortstop and South Florida commit Kristen Wyckoff dived back safely to avoid the pickoff tag from Strawberry Crest’s Savannah Bradley.
RIVALS/PAGE 15 two of the best in eastern Hillsborough County, and we faced two excellent pitchers, so I wanted to see where we were at. We’re going to surprise a lot of people this year, and if the guys buy into it, and I think they have, we’re going to do some damage in the district.”
MAUNEY/PAGE 15 newspaper or TV station. Since then, it has grown into a huge spectacle. Reporters and camera crews of regional and even national media now fill high school gymnasiums and libraries for the announcements. Recruits used to come to these ceremonies with their minds made up and their college choice known and documented. Now recruits, especially the top-billed ones, will play the shell game with hats of college suitors, while
coaches at those colleges wait on the edges of their seats to see if the recruit picks their school. This carries a unique perspective for me. On one hand, the whole recruiting process has gotten out of control. It is the athletes that should be vying and pleading for colleges to pick them, not the other way around. After all, these kids are getting the opportunity many don’t have — the chance to play football at a big-time university and get a free quality education to boot. With injuries, off-the-field
executions there, and it’s a lot closer of a game.” SCHS will be looking for its first win of the season Friday when the Chargers head to Chamberlain for a non-district game.
LADY CHARGERS DOMINATE
Photos by Matt Mauney
Plant City’s Kevin Long pitched an excellent game, allowing just one earned run.
as a team, and, obviously, we have to work more on our hitting,” she said. Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver.com. from what larger schools, including ACC and SEC programs, we stole prospects. It comes down to finding a balance. There should be less soap opera with NSD and more football. It’s fine to have signingday specials for your college of choice, and it’s great to be informed on the direction your favorite school is headed, but signing day should be left to local media and fans of the game. We don’t need ESPN and others giving 18-year-olds big heads before they even get to college.
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THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
17
TENNIS/PAGE 15 “We’re both extremely competitive people,” Spencer said. “We used to get in arguments a lot. There was a time that we couldn’t play each other, because we would fight, but now, we get along better than ever, and I think it comes down to just being older and more mature.” Harrison said he really enjoys playing doubles with Spencer for the Raiders. “We complement each other well,” he said. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and know how we like to play. That helps out a lot and works out better than playing doubles with just a random person.” Despite being identical twins born mere minutes apart, Harrison’s and Spencer’s playing styles couldn’t be more different. Harrison relies on his power and strong serve to control the pace of the game and keep his opponents on their toes, while Spencer likes to play more of a finesse game. “Our fitness levels are similar, but his playing style is different,” Spencer said of Harrison. “I mix my playing style up with a slice or different kinds of shots, and he’s just a lot of power. He has a strong serve and a powerful forehand. His forehand is probably his best shot.” According to Plant City head coach Dale Rice, who has coached at PCHS for 28 years, Harrison has progressed in the last four years. “He is still powerful, but I’m seeing him be smarter with his play and not just relying on his strength,” Rice said. “His placement on shots has gotten a lot better.” Rice describes Spencer as a student of the game. “I sometimes refer to him as Mr. Meticulous, because he’s extremely focused when he’s on the court and has a high attention for detail,” he said. Spencer also admitted the talent difference between the two. “He is a better player than me, and that’s something that I used to could never say or admit,” he said. “I don’t think our talents are too far apart, and we definitely push each other to be better players.”
ON A MISSION
With the Heysek brothers being integral parts in the success, Plant City has made regional appearances the past two years, making it to that stage for the first time in a decade in 2011. Rice hopes with Harrison and Spencer, along with fellow senior Jake Cole and younger brother Kyle Cole, the Raiders once again will make a postseason appearance. “We’ve been fortunate to have good talent come through our program the last few years,” Rice said. The Raiders have finished as district runners-up for the past two seasons. Last year’s Class 4A District 5 champ, Wiregrass Ranch, will be the main school standing in the way of Plant City’s first district title in boys tennis in recent history, and the Raiders know what that competition will be like. The top player for Wiregrass Ranch, senior Courage Okungbowa, practices in Plant City with his father, Stanley, a Nigerian native. Okungbowa is a prime talent and Harrison has had the opportunity to play and practice with him regularly. “We always have crazy matches,” Harrison said. “I might barely win, or he might barely win, and then I might kill him one match, and he’ll beat me badly in our next match. We both hit hard and fast, and we kind of push each other in practice and matches.” Harrison has been battling a strained back but is set to return to the lineup Thursday against Chamberlain. “Our goal this year is a state championship, individually and as a team,” he said. “Our top three players are seniors, so we should have a pretty good team.” Contact Matt Mauney at mmauney@plantcityobserver.com.
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This week’s Crossword answers
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Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
athlete of the week
by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Lance Dounges
A message from
SWEETBAY
Plant City junior Lance Dounges decided to take up wrestling this season to help with conditioning for football. He ended up getting a lot more out of the sport. Dounges finished as runner-up at both the district and region wrestling tournaments in the 285pound heavyweight class to become the only Plant City wrestler to qualify for the state tournament, held this weekend in Lakeland. His record entering state is 41-7.
We recognize that for our valued associates and
Why did you get into wrestling? Some of the coaches and some of the football players were trying to get me to do it. They thought I would be good at it, because of my build. So, I decided to give it a shot.
customers, the last few weeks have been challenging. However, our commitment to
How long have you been playing football? Since fourth grade
the people and community of
What kind of expectations did you have about wrestling? I thought I would have to kind of grow into it and that it would take a couple years to get good at it, because I know there’s a lot to it. I guess I just kind of picked it up fast. It turned out a lot better than I expected.
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What’s the toughest aspect of it? With heavyweights, it’s a lot of upper body. I think that’s what helped me a lot, because I have a higher level of upper body strength. Who is conditioned more is important, too, because the person that gets tired first is probably going to lose the match.
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How do you relate it to football?
Christine Miller, Director, United Food Bank of Plant City
SIDELINES FOOTBALL + Chargers rising senior stands out Strawberry Crest wide receiver Alex Carswell performed well at a 7-on-7 AllStar game between Unsigned Preps and the Next Level Nighthawks Feb. 10, at Ferrell Middle School. The rising senior is having a great offseason at camps, combines and workouts, and at 6-4, 200 pounds, he already has gained notice by some colleges, most notably Kentucky and Auburn. Plant City defensive back Jyquis Thomas and Durant running back Cris Atkins also had strong showings in the game, according to reports.
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For the fourth time this season, the Strawberry Crest girls’ basketball team came up short against district rival Sickles, this time in the region semifinals. The Lady Chargers fell 51-49, losing on a Sickles basket with just 10 seconds to play after SCHS took a 1-point lead. Strawberry Crest ends its best season to date with a 20-8 record, after advancing to regionals for the first time in the program’s four-year history. “I couldn’t be prouder with the way the girls fought tonight,” head coach Latosha
There’s a lot of similarities. You have to be well positioned and have good balance.
Were you surprised how you did at districts and regions? I’ve been surprised since the county meet. I did really bad that first day and lost to a kid from Middleton that I knew I could beat. I came back the next day more aggressive and, ever since, it’s been turned on. What do you expect the state meet to be like? Some of the coaches told me that it’s like being in the center of everything, because it’s in a huge stadium and you’re down on the floor in the center. They said I could relate it to the football games. I’m going to go there on Thursday to get the feel of it. Besides sports what to you like to do for fun? I like to hunt and fish, and I like to ride dirt bikes. When I go up north to visit my dad in Michigan, we go hunting and fishing and stuff like that.
Lewis said after the loss. “I’ve coached a lot of games, and this was the best one I’ve coached.” Strawberry Crest is a young team with no seniors. They will return everyone next season, along with some talented incoming freshmen, according to Lewis. The Lady Chargers’ two standouts, Maiya Trigg and Aliyah Gregory will be a junior and senior, respectively, next season. Gregory led SCHS Tuesday with 13 points, while Trigg had 12. “We definitely feel like we can make a run at a state championship next year,” Lewis said. “Everyone will be back, and playing in regionals was a great learning experience for our team, especially our younger players.”
WRESTLING + Two area grapplers qualify for state meet Durant’s Austin Haley and Plant City High’s Lance Dounges both qualified for the Class 3A FHSAA State Wrestling Championship, which will be held Feb. 15 and 16, at the Lakeland Center. Haley placed second in the 126-pound weight class for the Cougars at the Class 3A Region 2 championship last weekend at Osceola High School, in St. Cloud. He was the only wrestler out of the 10 Durant sent to regionals to make it to state. Haley enters the state tournament with a record of 44-8. In his first season wrestling, Dounges is headed to state (see Athlete of the Week above). Dounges finished as runner-up in the 285-pound heavyweight division, falling to fellow junior Darren Lester, of Brandon.
Plant city observer
PlantCityObserver.com
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
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on your mark by Matt Mauney | Associate Editor
Runners lace up for annual challenge Hundreds of runners hit the track for the 2013 Strawberry Distance Challenge 5K Feb. 9, at Walden Lake Golf and Country Club. More than 400 runners participated in this year’s race, coming from around the Tampa Bay area, across the state and even throughout the country. Mike Stewart from Redmond, Wash. was the overall winner, with a time of 19:07. Stewart is in Florida visiting his parents and training for this year’s Boston Marathon. Runners of all ages and skill levels participated in the race. A 1-mile fun run/walk, called the Strawberry Dash, followed the 5K. Money raised benefited the Florida Youth Alliance.
Ben Jensen, 9, Luke Nielsen, 5, and Zach Jensen, 6, participated in the 1-mile fun run.
Plant City resident Kenneth Winter, 55, had one of the more interesting hats for the race. It was his second Strawberry Distance Challenge.
Crystal Harris, with sons Gavin, Peyton and Ty. Crystal was the first female finisher, while Gavin and Peyton, 9-year-old twins, finished together.
Edited by Timothy E. Parker
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The Huddlestons made it a family affair. From left: father Ross, mom Lori and kids Evelyn, Holly and Callie.
THE GREAT OUTdOORS by Rob Lee
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Mike Stewart, 49, came all the way from Redmond, Wash., to win the Strawberry Distance Challenge. Stewart is qualified for the prestigious Boston Marathon.
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Plant city observer
THURSDAY, february 14, 2013
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